Would you think this is cruel?

[ScottishStottie]

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WFHFB9R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vBs6EbKNQHMZD?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Looking at solutions to stop neighbouring cats using our borders as a toilet, there are several cats in the area that seem to use our garden as a party zone, not too bothered about the cats but would rather not have the shit.

Been looking at the above link as a solution but not sure if its cruel...? It says its not sharp enough to hurt them but enough to make it uncomfortable. If used it would just be on the ground level, so not an area where they would be jumping to etc without any warning. Or should i just avoid this sort of thing?

If avoid, then does anyone have any alternatives?

We used to get a lot of foxes, so bought some ultrasonic garden speaker thingys. Basically, you put batteries in it and stick it in the garden and it makes a noise only foxes can hear. Haven't seen a fox or cat since. Still get squirrels, birds, mice.

I think it's fine.

Yes, cruel.

Looks really cruel.

I'd use it. I can't stand cats though.

Why not spend the money on roses and thorny but pretty border/ boundary plants? At least they can see them and not get a nasty surprise.

We took rose bushes out from the area when we moved in, was looking to have a lower maintanance garden and are trying to strip it back. So currently pretty much have lawn and borders, and some sunflowers that i planted at the start of lockdown.

Tbh i agree with the ones saying its cruel, doesnt really sit comfortably with me to do this and after showing dp, he doesnt want it so decision made.

Will look into the sonic noise thing though as it is a bit of an issue. The reason we dont have any pets ourselves is i am incredibly squeamish about dealing with the poo (i know i would really struggle with cleaning a litter tray, or pick up dog poo) so its a bit annoying that although ive made the sensible decision not to get a pet, i still have to deal with the poo!

I use cut up lemons in my raised beds to deter the cats. Honestly works a treat. They hate the smell.

If a cat jumps from a high fence it can injure it

And remember that at least a cat can be taken to a vet. If you injure say a fox it had to live with that

£500 vets bull says it's cruel

There are two houses we walk past who have those sonic things and I promise humans can hear them. I assume you would be ok in the house but if you were in the garden you'd likely hear it

I would think you're horrible for doing that. A friend of mine has just had to pay 500 3 times since lockdown because her cat frequents somewhere with one of these and keeps cutting himself deeply requiring surgery, stitches and to be inside with a cone on for 10 days each time.
Just deal with it

There is a house a couple of streets away from us that has the noise speakers.
My kids hate walking past it because they cant stand the sound.
I can hear it too.
I used to use a smelly substance that used to keep them away when i had one that used to poo in my old garden.
I agree with pp about lemons they hate citrus smell, the smelly substance i used had a citrus smell. It was from the pound shop called 'get off' I think. They do smell repellents on amazon.

I don't see how what the op linked to is cruel. They're not sharp. I'm surrounded on all sides by bastard cats that shit everywhere. Nothing seems to work and of course the filthy animals don't appear to shit in their own garden, just my vegetable beds. The neighbours couldn't care less. Oranges etc work for a little bit, but you have to keep replacing them. Chicken wire has helped. I'm going to get a water pistol next.

We had a similar problem with our borders and garden,
We put strawberry netting down around the soil and bedding and plants. Totally stopped them using those areas as a toilet
It s not spikey or anything just they can't scratch or claw it so it deters them apparently
Worth a try

I would think you're horrible for doing that. A friend of mine has just had to pay 500 3 times since lockdown because her cat frequents somewhere with one of these and keeps cutting himself deeply requiring surgery, stitches and to be inside with a cone on for 10 days each time.
Just deal with it

Friend should take responsibility for her let then. I’m a cat owner and it drives me mad. There’s no excuse nowadays as there are so many ways to keep a cat in the garden

For her cat.

Hi OP,
tuttifrutti is right. Lemons around perimeter, it will act as a harmless deterrent and it won't cause injury to any animal.

@Elephantonascooter

I would think you're horrible for doing that. A friend of mine has just had to pay 500 3 times since lockdown because her cat frequents somewhere with one of these and keeps cutting himself deeply requiring surgery, stitches and to be inside with a cone on for 10 days each time. Just deal with it

But im trying to 'just deal with it' by finding a solution. Im not prepared to be continually picking up shit though, thats defo not the solution.

As long as i cant hear the sonic thing in the house it should be ok, if we are in the garden i assume i can just turn it off, the cats dont come near when we're outside anyway, think its night time visits that auses the issue. Have heard them outside fighting (or maybe mating??) A few times and had to chase away about 5 cats at a time.

Looks fine, hope it works.

Do you know anyone with prickly hedges or bushes like hawthorn or holly? When we trim ours I keep back some of the branches and lay them on the borders where cats walk and anywhere there is a gap of empty soil that they would use as a toilet. Kind of a green version of what you wanted to buy.
It's ouchy enough for them to not want to walk on it but will not result in vets bills. Maybe combine it with lemon odours...

Surely that will affect other creatures too? Like hedgehogs? Seems pretty mean.

If you have a small garden and any of your neighbours have children (including teenagers) then getting the sonic repellent things is really anti-social. Most adults can't hear them, but they are very unpleasant for people with more youthful ears.

DD (teenage) finds them seriously painful to listen to - we have had to make sharp detours in National Trust gardens when they have had them in flower beds. If any of our neighbours had them in their gardens, she would not be able to use our garden.

Cats hate the smell of lemon and cider vinegar. Have a google & you could make a spray which would deter them.

We used to have a cat visit out car port and we used this, sprayed the area and be stopped coming.

Either that or get a cat

My children could hear the sonic things- a bit like the mosquitos they use to stop young people congregating outside of shops.